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17.02.2026 · Fire Fighting Ladders & Access Platforms

CAN-Based Tank Level Monitoring for Fire Trucks

We built a CAN-based tank level monitoring and display solution for fire trucks, enabling clear, reliable and cost-effective level indication for both water and foam tanks.

Fire truck water and foam tank level monitoring: MRS Micro PLC CAN 4 ANA and MConn Mini CAN display

System includes

A small set of field-proven components:

  • MRS Micro PLC CAN 4 ANA controller
  • MConn Mini CAN display
  • 2 pressure sensors

Highlights

A clear solution that integrates easily:

  • Flexible local software
  • Separate level tracking for water and foam tanks
  • Clear and strong on-screen visualization
  • Fast integration with cost-efficient hardware

Components and specifications

The system consists of two products and two pressure sensors. Detailed specifications of the products are on their own pages:

  • MRS Micro PLC CAN 4 ANA: offers 4 inputs/outputs whose function can be individually defined; 1 CAN interface, 9-32 V operating voltage, ingress protection up to IP6K8, temperature range -40 … +85°C.
  • MRS MConn Mini: a 2.4-inch color display generally used for the acquisition and display of sensor data; the 4 capacitive buttons can be freely defined and a light sensor regulates the backlight to the ambient light.

The display can also be used outside the driver’s cab. The system tracks water and foam tank levels separately.

LED-indicator alternative

If you prefer LED level indication, see foam and water tank level control with Electroforce EFC39: there, the liquid level of two tanks is controlled with a single controller and shown with LED indicators.

Frequently asked questions

Are the water and foam tanks tracked separately?

Yes. Level tracking is separate for the water and foam tanks, and the levels are shown with clear on-screen visualization.

Can the display be mounted outside the driver’s cab?

The MConn Mini can be used in a wide range of applications, including as a display outside the driver’s cab. A variant with a waterproof M12 connector is also available.

Does the display adapt to different lighting conditions?

Yes. With the aid of a light sensor, the MConn Mini measures the ambient light and regulates the backlight accordingly.

A similar system can also be applied to existing vehicles after a preliminary assessment. Contact us →

Related service: control systems for fire and rescue vehicles.

Send us a message if you want implementation details or a reference setup.

Contact us →

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